Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
This evening marks the beginning of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Each year, we pause to remember those who perished, honor survivors, and educate ourselves about our responsibility to never forget the horrors of that time so they may never again happen.
More than 80 years ago, six million Jewish lives were taken in one of the darkest chapters of human history. The Holocaust stands as a powerful example of what can happen when hatred and prejudice go unchallenged.
As we honor the memory of those who were lost, we are called to reflect not only on the past but also on our role in the present. It’s a reminder to stand up against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination—and to work toward a future grounded in empathy and concern for the dignity of every human being, consistent with the teachings of the late Pope Francis.
This year, I invite you to join DePaul Jewish Life for an event that will give our community a space to remember, connect and learn.
The Yom HaShoah Storytelling event on April 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Park Student Center will include sharing from staff members whose family members survived the Holocaust. Students in the Bridgebuilding Fellows program in Mission and Ministry will also facilitate small group dialogues, creating a space for reflection and interfaith dialogue.
I am grateful to Jewish Life for hosting this event, and I am incredibly proud of these students for devoting their time, care and open hearts to this fellowship. The event is open to all, and I hope you will attend.
RSVP is requested on DeHub.
Yom HaShoah reminds us to never forget the consequences of hatred. Honoring the memory of victims and survivors means choosing to stand against antisemitism in all its forms—not just in big moments, but in our everyday lives, on campus, in our communities, and within ourselves.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Manuel
President